Wayne Community College enrollment increases

Wayne Community College is seen early today. Student enrollment at the school is up, officials say, with nearly 200 more students currently enrolled than at this time last year.

Wayne Community College is continuing its trend of steady enrollment growth, with 200 more students than the same time last year, officials said.

With most classes resuming for the spring semester earlier this month, preliminary numbers showed 3,301 curriculum, or college credit, students registered. The number is expected to rise during the two upcoming registrations, for 12-week courses on Feb. 3 and the second session of eight-week classes on March 3 and 4.

Comparatively, at this point in 2008, the head count was 3,121. It has gradually gone up each year -- in 2007 it was 2,935 and in 2006, 2,874.

Fall semesters generally attract more student numbers than spring or summer. Fall registration this year started with 3,331 students. By semester's end, though, it had risen to 3,522.

"Times are tough but students still recognize that Wayne Community is one of the solutions to their economic woes, not a burden," said Dr. Kay Albertson, WCC president. "Despite high gas prices last semester, students enrolled so they could better themselves. Now there are new economic challenges, but the people of Wayne County are still making education a priority."

In return, Albertson said she and her staff are committed to working diligently to make sure students receive the education they seek. The financial aid department is a critical component in that equation.

"If anyone didn't enroll or register for the spring semester because they didn't think they could afford it, I encourage them to come now, let us show you what options you do have, and we can get you into a round of 12-week classes that start later this month or the second session of eight-week classes that begin in March," Dr. Albertson said. "We'll help you find a way."